Questions about a possible trip to Manchester

[frlcb]

The train is only 2 hours 15 but you will have to get from Heathrow into Euston in London. If it is significantly cheaper I would do it, if it is like a couple hundred cheaper then I would fly direct to Manchester.

[emilyinchile]

Ditto frlcb. The train is comfortable and relatively quick, but I personally wouldn't want to deal with the hassle of schlepping bags (and myself after a transatlantic flight!) across London and dealing with finding my way around Euston unless it was a major price difference. You'll also need to consider the cost of the train - if you're going at an offpeak times it's probably going to be GBP 70ish roundtrip, but if you'll be traveling at commute time it will be over GBP 100 each way (or you'll have to sit around waiting for commute time to end, which is more hassle).

The Museum of Science and Industry is really cool and has a ton to see: www.emilyinchile.com/2014/08/manchester/

[Wanderista]

It wouldn't bother me to take a train after flying to London but my flight is much shorter and I used to live there. Since you say that your BF hasn't really flown internationally and does not like cities, then I'd suggest just flying to Manchester. I love England but much of the countryside is sheep, sheep, and more sheep. Very easy to sleep through when not exhausted from an international flight. 

Maybe you could add on a day or two and go into the English countryside somewhat near Manchester. Like, somewhere that you could take a bus/coach or even train to from Manchester after the conference? You might be able to find a reasonable bed and breakfast or country/village hotel. The Peak District is pretty close and scenic ... and definitely not a city.

[Wanderista]

I have several friends from there so I could ask them for suggestions. I know that there is a big arts/music scene. Also quite famous are the two football/soccer teams, Manchester United and Manchester City. Manchester United play at Old Trafford which has a museum or if you're up to it, you could go to a game or, less expensive but just as authentic, you could watch a game in a lively pub. The season should start up in August.

Manchester has a reputation of being very friendly and down-to-earth. It has a lot of old industrial buildings some of which have been converted into lofts/trendy spaces. It should have a lively nightlife as well.